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Thanksgiving and Financial IQ: Teaching Children the Meaning of Harvest and Gratitude

Writer's picture: Alice KuoAlice Kuo

Three Thanksgiving-themed crafts created by children: on the left and center, colorful paper turkeys are placed in decorated cups, each turkey showing unique patterns and colors; on the right, a vibrant handprint turkey craft says 'Hello,' with colorful paper feathers and a big eye, capturing the spirit of creativity and celebration.

Thanksgiving is a time when families come together to give thanks, to share a meal, and to reflect on the year’s blessings. Traditionally, Thanksgiving is rooted in the idea of harvest—a time when communities gather the fruits of their labor, celebrating abundance while preparing for the winter months. But harvest doesn’t have to mean only gathering crops; it can mean gathering experiences, relationships, and wisdom. At i-Immersion, we use Thanksgiving as a powerful theme in our Financial IQ program to teach children about gratitude, wealth, and the value of giving back.

"Thanksgiving isn’t just about feasting; it’s about celebrating what we have and recognizing the privilege of having enough to share."


Harvesting as a Metaphor for Financial Learning

When we think of “harvesting” in the context of financial education, we can look at it as a metaphor for building wealth—not just in terms of money, but in terms of life’s resources and values. Just as farmers tend to their fields and await the harvest, we teach children that managing finances, setting goals, and working hard lead to a kind of “harvest” in their own lives.


Through activities, stories, and hands-on exercises, children begin to see that the concept of wealth isn’t limited to material things. Wealth can mean the joy of sharing, the warmth of relationships, and the satisfaction of seeing hard work pay off. This perspective encourages them to appreciate both what they have and what they can give.

"Financial IQ isn’t only about money; it’s about understanding the value of hard work, the joy of giving, and the abundance of sharing."

The Importance of Gratitude in Financial Wellness

In a society often focused on consumption, gratitude can feel like an unusual concept for young children. Yet, it’s one of the most valuable financial habits they can learn. Thanksgiving is a perfect time to introduce this idea in a way that feels natural and meaningful.

By teaching children to appreciate the things they have, we’re helping them understand that wealth isn’t just about money—it’s about appreciating life’s simple pleasures and being grateful for the small things. As part of our Financial IQ program, we encourage children to think about their “harvest”—the things they already have that bring them joy, like family, friends, their favorite activities, and the opportunities to learn and grow.


Thanksgiving as a Time to Give Back

When we think of Thanksgiving, we often think about gathering around a table filled with food and sharing it with loved ones. But not everyone has that privilege, and this holiday offers an opportunity to instill empathy and the joy of giving back. For children, learning to give can be a transformative experience that builds empathy and an understanding of privilege.


In our program, we talk about the importance of sharing our “harvest” with others—whether that’s sharing toys, helping a friend, or donating items to those in need. Teaching children to give back is part of financial literacy because it helps them see that wealth is a cycle, one where giving plays as crucial a role as receiving.

"True wealth is found not in what we keep, but in what we share. By teaching children to give back, we’re nurturing a spirit of empathy, kindness, and gratitude."

An orange graphic titled 'Wheel of Wellness' featuring a circular design divided into four colored segments labeled 'relationships,' 'health,' 'kindness,' and 'knowledge,' surrounding the central text 'Harvesting Wealth'.

Wealth Beyond Material Possessions

For some cultures and communities, the concept of wealth isn’t measured in dollars but in memories, relationships, and acts of kindness. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s important for families to introduce this perspective to children. Teaching children to view wealth as something that goes beyond material possessions allows them to see value in what might seem simple—a meal shared, a game played together, a helping hand.


This Thanksgiving, as you gather with your family, take a moment to talk about what you are grateful for that money can’t buy. By connecting this idea to Thanksgiving, you’re reinforcing the concept that wealth is multifaceted, extending to health, happiness, and the connections we make with others.


A joyful multi-generational family gathers around a Thanksgiving table, with a grandmother, mother, and young children sharing a moment as they prepare to carve a roast turkey. The warm, cozy setting is filled with laughter, delicious food, and holiday cheer, highlighting the togetherness and gratitude of the season.

Building Lifelong Financial Habits Through Gratitude

Our Financial IQ program emphasizes that financial education isn’t just about budgeting or saving—it’s about developing a mindset that values hard work, gratitude, and community. By instilling these ideas from a young age, we’re giving children tools that will help them build a balanced, fulfilling life.


As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s remember that teaching children about financial literacy includes teaching them to be grateful for what they have and to find joy in giving back. Just like a harvest is the result of months of care and patience, a meaningful life is built on small, consistent acts of gratitude, kindness, and responsibility.

"This Thanksgiving, let’s teach our children that true wealth lies in gratitude, in giving, and in the harvest of joy that comes from sharing with others."


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i-Immersion Inc. is the first B-Corp Certified foreign language company in California, providing early education program in family child care setting, coaching for educators, and community resources for parents with young children.  Our curriculum is designed to help early learners develop multilingual, problem-solving, critical-thinking, listening skills- and much, much more!

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